Adam Wood expressed Britain's concerns over December's election result during an interview on Kenyan television, which drew sharp criticism from the foreign minister Moses Wetang'ula.

"He should be the last person to be reminded that Kenya fought a bitter war and won her independence from the British colonial yoke over 44 years ago," said Mr Wetang'ula. "Consequently, the government as is constituted required neither a nod nor a stamp of confirmation from the British to reflect the will of Kenyans. "The government is closely watching his remarks, which are in total disregard of diplomatic etiquette.

Continued provocation will not be tolerated further and the government will not hesitate to take appropriate remedial measures." Mr Wood was echoing concerns expressed by David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, and much of the international community over Mr Kibaki's victory in the disputed polls. More than 1,000 people have died and up to 600,000 been forced from their homes since violence erupted following the announcement of results which observers said were rigged.

"In view of these irregularities, we do not find that the government that is presently constituted represents the democratic will of the Kenyan people," Mr Wood said.

Mr Wood also said that Britain was likely to consider visa bans and asset freezes against prominent Kenyan politicians and businessmen if they were found to be blocking Kofi Annan's efforts to broker peace. Negotiations which were expected to reach a political settlement by yesterday broke down without agreement last night and will begin again on Monday. It is understood that members of the government negotiating team refused to compromise on key issues.

There are grave fears that delays could lead to a fresh outbreak of violence in Kenya's western opposition strongholds. A handful of unnamed Kenyans have already been barred from travelling to the US and Canada.

Privately, British diplomats have expressed frustration that the Kenyan government has singled out Mr Wood for criticism when his views are shared by many ambassadors in Nairobi. "It is unfortunate that certain people are trying to bilateralise this when we have a very similar position to many others here," said a British diplomat.